How to Make It

Run fingers along the flesh side of fillets; remove any pin bones with a pair of kitchen tweezers. Turn fillets over; score skin by making 4 (1-inch) crosswise cuts in each fillet with a sharp knife.

Step 2

Combine salt and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt mixture over skin side of each fillet; let stand 10 minutes.

Step 3

Arrange half of cilantro sprigs in a 13 x 9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Arrange fillets in a single layer, skin side down, on top of cilantro. Spread remaining salt mixture over flesh side of fillets; top evenly with shallots and remaining cilantro sprigs. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. Place a cast-iron skillet or other heavy object on top of fillets to weigh them down; refrigerate 24 hours.